German regulators almost killed the original 911 Turbo's whale-tail spoiler

[Hagerty]

Carmakers and regulators are involved in a continual, ever-evolving game of tug-of-war. Perhaps the biggest indication of this reality is the significant gap separating a car's vision-put forth by OEM design and engineering departments-and the reality that government restrictions will permit.
https://www.hagerty.com/media/automotive-history/german-regulators-almost-killed-the-original-911-tu...

[Gary_Bechtold]

Neat story. I didn't know Porsche had to go to court for that.

[drhino]

Now automakers are begging for governments to mandate EVs. Easier to build, less parts/vendors, no need for as many employees. Higher margins!

We know you don’t want these things— the government made us do it!

[Tinkerah]

I wouldn't think manufacturers would need government mandates to produce products that are easier to build, require fewer parts and employees, and provide higher margins. Also no emission standards to meet.

[drhino]

They don’t want to take the blame for producing stuff most people don’t want. That’s why they want the mandates. As I said above— the government made us do it.

[Tinkerah]

Us motorheads might not want them but we may be a dying breed. I believe there is strong demand for them, and they are an ideal vehicle for certain use patterns.

[coop]

Whale-tail? Too bad the regulators didn't win.

[OCULUSNY]

I read this with great anticipation that we might discover more about the Safety N*zies, but alas, no expansion into other contemporary design specifications.  I have loathed BMW's pedestrian-safe tall front grills for years, and indeed, dubbed them "Frau Catchers" when they first appeared.  

But the flip-side of that is how does Porsche get away with their low-sloped noses?  Is there a minimum production threshold that Porsches avoids the homologated high grills?  Or, having been whooped by Porsche lawyers once, maybe regulators just don't go there?

Insight would be welcome.

[SJ]

Nice outcome, kudos not bowing down.

[SAG]

Newest rides running non-functional
Rear wings, is a joke.
Function before Fancy.